We have a name for the new spring-training home of the Atlanta Braves, set to open for a single 2019 game on March 24 before becoming the teams full-time home in 2020: CoolToday Park.
The Braves will spend most of 2019 spring training at Champion Stadium and Disney World’s Wide World of Sports Complex before playing a March 24 game against the Tampa Bay Rays at CoolToday Park. The naming-rights announcement was made today in North Port, FL.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“As part of our commitment to maintain a lifelong relationship with our community, this partnership with the Braves organization, City of North Port, and Sarasota County will cement our presence and strategy for southern Sarasota County,” said Jaime DiDomenico, President/Owner of CoolToday, in a press statement. “The Braves have a proven track record of building strong ties to the community they operate in and we look forward to enhancing those ties going forward. I’m very excited about what the future holds.”
The 20-year agreement includes scoreboard and dugout signage for CoolToday as well as exterior signage and promotional opportunities for additional events held at the facility.
“This is a new chapter in Braves history and one that strengthens Florida as our home away from home,” said Mike Plant, President and CEO of Braves Development Company, in a press statement. “CoolToday and the Braves share deep roots in the state of Florida and we couldn’t imagine a more perfect partner for this facility.”
When it opens, the new spring training ballpark is expected to include 6,200 fixed seats, plus 1,000 berm seats. It will also feature some of the amenities found at many newer spring-training venues, including a 360-degree concourse and an outfield patio and bar area. The cost of the project has now risen to $110 million.
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